Clare, a woman from Michigan, shared a video on social media showing her bullmastiff, Henry, having a dramatic reaction to her leaving the house. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 534,000 likes and 3 million views. In the clip, Clare heads towards a loud noise that turns out to be Henry howling, barking, and whining in distress at the thought of her being gone. Despite only being away for a brief moment, Henry’s reaction made Clare feel like she had to quit her job and stay home with him.
The heartwarming video shows Henry abruptly stopping his howling and rushing to his owner for cuddles as soon as she re-enters the room. Clare humorously reassures him that she was only gone for a couple of minutes and that she had simply gone to the garage to get her Rollerblades. Despite the humorous tone of the video, Clare mentioned that the mixed emotions of leaving her dog alone resonated with many dog lovers. Users on TikTok jokingly commented on the video, with one person even offering to stay home with Henry so Clare could go to work.
Clare shared that Henry has brought immense joy to her life since being adopted and described him as a big, lovable boy who loves to be around his people. She mentioned that following a suggestion from a commenter, she now leaves the radio on for Henry when she has to leave the house. This seems to have a calming effect on Henry, as Clare has found him sleeping under the radio on multiple occasions. Bullmastiffs, like Henry, are known for their affectionate nature with their loved ones, despite their large size of up to 130 pounds and standing 27 inches at the shoulder.
The bond between Clare and Henry is evident in the various videos on their TikTok account, @_lifewithhenry_. In addition to his dramatic reaction to being left alone, viewers can see Henry following Clare around like a shadow, taking walks around town, and snoring loudly while he sleeps. Clare also shared that Henry goes by the nickname “Ferris Drooler” on his TikTok bio, adding a humorous touch to their online presence. The American Kennel Club describes bullmastiffs as world-class protectors and family companions, highlighting their loyal and affectionate nature.
While the viral video of Henry’s reaction to Clare leaving the house was met with laughter and delight from viewers, it also showcased the deep bond between a pet and its owner. Clare’s decision to stay home with Henry, even if made in jest, reflects the strong emotional connection she shares with her beloved bullmastiff. The heartwarming response to the video from dog lovers and the advice shared by commenters on providing background noise for Henry when he’s home alone further demonstrate the supportive and caring community that surrounds pet owners. Henry’s endearing moments shared on social media serve as a reminder of the joy and love that pets bring into our lives.
